Moms do too. Here are three lessons Chicago resident Mali Anderson, mom of an 11-year-old daughter, has learned from sending her child to school:

1. There are taking-kid-to-school outfits

I don’t wear my pajamas to drop off, but I don’t get dressed for the day either. It’s a hybrid. Sometimes it’s jeans that are a bit too worn, topped with the sweater that is no longer fashionable. Other days, it’s my workout clothes (this is a strategy to try and get myself to the gym).

2. I like leftovers more than my daughter does

Sending a child off to school with lunch is an act of love, even if she doesn't choose the same thing her mother would.(Photo11: bowdenimages, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

If I have a choice between last night’s dinner and a basic cheese sandwich, I’ll pick leftovers anytime. Not my daughter, though; when it comes to her lunchbox, she’s looking for a sandwich.

3. Three o'clock comes fast

I always have an extensive to-do list. Fueled by coffee and the morning sun, it all seems possible.

But, then, suddenly it’s 2:45! It sneaks up on me, nearly every day, but I’m always pleased to add the tasks to tomorrow’s list and go back to spending time with my daughter.